Introducing our WXXV Student Athlete of the Week, Gulfport baseball’s very own Ethan Surowiec!

It’s common for people to  have a highlight reel that repeats in their heads that focuses on the clutch moments and special memories. For this Gulfport standout, those memories include many homeruns and making the final out at South State last season, but one moment stands out above the rest which helped solidify his future. Get to know the Admiral’s shortstop, right handed pitcher, power hitter, and our WXXV Student Athlete of the Week, Ethan Surowiec!

Growing up with a baseball and bat in hand since he was four years old, some of Gulfport senior Ethan Surowiec’s best memories have to do with his time on the diamond and watching others play the sport he loves. He’s got a lot of good moments of his own, but one of his favorites as a fan was June 26th of 2022 when he watched the Ole Miss Rebels and his future team win the College Baseball World Series.

“Actually on June 26th, they won it and that’s my birthday, so it was a good birthday present that they won it. I remember watching it on TV in my living room after we just got back from a tournament in North Carolina with my summer ball team and we were watching it,” Surowiec said with a smile. “It’s definitely a big goal of mine and being with recruits and some fellow teammates of mine, we’re excited to be up there and making a big difference there. The plan so far is go up there and bring my bat with me, so I’ll be a hitter and then later on down the road, we’ll look into pitching if that’s needed.”

It makes sense that he’s joining a recent World Series winning squad because Surowiec already has the World Champion mindset because it’s the attitude of his favorite UFC fighter, Conor McGregor.

“Something about Conor that motivates is mindset, determination, and his work ethic,” Surowiec said. “He wasn’t afraid to say it and speak it out to the world. He said he was going to be a world champion and that’s exactly what he did, so I’ve applied that to my mindset this past year. It’s motivated me in pressure situations where you’ve got to get a guy out or get a big hit in certain situations, so it’s made me confident in my abilities and it has definitely helped me.”

Another Gulfport Admiral who was capable of getting big hits and clutch outs in pressure cooking situations is former MLB player Jonathan Holder.

“He’s a guy to look up to for sure. Knowing that somebody from Gulfport made it all the way to the big leagues. It’s definitely a goal of mine to be in the big leagues one day, so seeing somebody do it gives me some hope. I’m confident in my abilities to make it,” Surowiec said. 

Although his eyes are set on big goals and dreams, Surowiec hasn’t lost sight of his senior season and what he can accomplish with his group of 11 senior brothers.

“It’s been a fun ride knowing all of these guys my whole life and growing up with them has been fun,” Surowiec said. “Gulfport is home for me and it’s where I’ve grown up. It’s been a fun ride, and I’m just thankful for it all.”

His ride as an Admiral isn’t over yet as unfinished business still awaits. The blue and orange are no stranger to the State Championship stage as they stepped foot on it last year, but this year they’re determined to change last year’s narrative.

“Being with that team was a special run that we made and now this year we want to get there and win it for sure. I think it definitely motivates me for sure and all of us really. Just throughout the entire year just coming out to practice everyday we know that we have something to prove and a job to be done,” said Surowiec

The Gulfport Admirals will answer the call this week when they welcome the Oak Grove Warriors to The Herb for the first round of playoffs. Here’s to hoping the birthday wishes and major league mentality comes to fruition!